Day of the Devs, a revered indie games showcase, marks a significant evolution in its journey since its inception in 2012. Initially hosted by Double Fine Productions and iam8bit, the event has now proudly established itself as a 501c3 non-profit organization. This transition aims to enhance its support for indie game developers through more transparent and public fundraising efforts.
This transformation was announced alongside the launch of Day of the Devs’ inaugural fundraising campaign, heralding a new era of empowerment for indie developers. The campaign details future plans for 2024, promising an exciting line-up including an in-person event in March at San Francisco, a virtual showcase during the Summer Game Fest, and a hybrid “Game Awards Edition” of Day of the Devs in winter, accessible both online and in-person.
The move to non-profit status, facilitated through a partnership with Legacy Global, is a strategic step to access better funding opportunities. It also clarifies Day of the Devs’ commitment to being platform agnostic and fully independent from other video game-related organizations. This shift is not just a formal change but a reinforcement of the organization’s longstanding ethos of supporting indie game creativity and diversity.
The fundraising campaign offers two reward tiers for donors, featuring game keys and physical merchandise. Contributions, which can be one-off or monthly, will fund various operational costs including venue hire, equipment, staffing, and video production. Impressively, the campaign has already neared $28,000, inching closer to its $500,000 goal.
Historically, Day of the Devs has been a beacon for indie games, offering them a platform often overshadowed by bigger, mainstream titles. For instance, the 2023 Summer Game Fest was a testament to this, where Day of the Devs showcased a plethora of indie games that captivated audiences with their uniqueness and creativity.
The fundraising and sponsor support are crucial in ensuring that Day of the Devs continues to offer a cost-free platform for developers and attendees, spotlighting the magic and diversity of indie games.
Co-founder Tim Schafer reflects on this evolution with pride, acknowledging the alignment of the event’s independence with the spirit of the indie games it celebrates.
With more details about the Summer Game Fest and Game Awards Editions to be unveiled in the coming months, Day of the Devs is poised to open new avenues for indie game development and exposure.